40% Of Destinations Have Now Eased Travel Restrictions: UNWTO

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The responsible restart of tourism is underway around the world as more and more travel destinations relax COVID-19-related travel restrictions and adapt to the new reality.

According to the latest analysis by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 40 percent of all travel destinations worldwide have relaxed restrictions on international tourism in response to COVID-19.

The latest UNWTO outlook, recorded on July 19, has risen from 22 percent of destinations that eased travel restrictions by June 15 and 3 percent that had previously been observed through May 15.

It confirms the trend of slow but continuous adjustment and a responsible restart of international tourism.

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At the same time, however, of the 87 destinations that have now relaxed travel restrictions, only four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have relaxed them, while some measures such as partial border closure have been retained.

This latest edition of the UNWTO report on travel restrictions also shows that 115 travel destinations (53 percent of all travel destinations worldwide) remain fully closed to tourism.

In this way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, an essential foundation if we work together to adapt to the new reality we are now facing.

A Responsible Restart Is Possible

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said:

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“The restart of tourism can be done responsibly and in a way that protects public health while supporting businesses and livelihoods.

As travel destinations continue to relax travel restrictions, international cooperation is paramount.

In this way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, an essential foundation if we work together to adapt to the new reality we are now facing. “

Looking at the 115 destinations whose borders are still completely closed to international tourism, the report finds that a majority (88) have completely closed their borders to international tourism for more than 12 weeks.

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The costs associated with travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19 are historical.

This week, the UNWTO released data on the impact of the pandemic on tourism, both in terms of lost tourist arrivals and loss of revenue.

The data shows that the pandemic had already led to a loss of revenue of $ 320 billion by the end of May, which is three times the cost of the global economic crisis in 2009.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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